Maxalt

A healthcare provider may prescribe Maxalt to treat migraine headaches. Maxalt is not designed to prevent migraines, but it can help to relieve migraine symptoms as they occur. A migraine headache can result when some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated. Maxalt works by narrowing these blood vessels, returning them to their normal state. The medication comes in a tablet form that is taken orally or in a form that will quickly dissolve in the mouth.

 

What Is Maxalt?

Maxalt® (rizatriptan benzoate) is a prescription medication that is used to treat migraine headaches. Maxalt will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that has already started.
 
A form a Maxalt that will dissolve in the mouth (Maxalt MLT®) is available and is especially helpful for people who have difficulty swallowing tablets during a migraine due to nausea or vomiting.
 
(Click Maxalt Uses for more information on what Maxalt is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Maxalt?

Maxalt is made by Merck & Co.
 

How Does Maxalt Work?

Maxalt is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Maxalt works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Maxalt Effects

In previous studies, 60 percent to 77 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking Maxalt tablets, compared to only 23 percent to 40 percent of people who did not take Maxalt. Similar results were seen in studies of Maxalt MLT tablets.
 

When and How to Take Maxalt

Some general considerations for when and how to take Maxalt include:
 
  • Maxalt comes in regular tablets and as orally disintegrating tablets (MLTs) that dissolve in the mouth quickly.
     
  • Maxalt should be taken as soon as possible once a migraine starts.
     
  • Swallow Maxalt tablets whole with a drink of water or other fluids. Maxalt MLT tablets should be placed on the tongue, where they can dissolve quickly. Maxalt MLT tablets do not need to be taken with water.
     
  • If your headache comes back or does not go away, a second dose of Maxalt can be taken after waiting at least two hours from the time you took the first dose. Let your healthcare provider know if Maxalt does not work completely after one dose.
     
  • For Maxalt to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Maxalt will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Maxalt Dosing

The dose of Maxalt your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to Maxalt
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your Maxalt dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Maxalt Dosage for more information about dosing for Maxalt.)
 

Side Effects of Maxalt

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Maxalt. However, not everyone who takes Maxalt will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Maxalt well. When Maxalt side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
Some of the most common side effects of Maxalt include:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Nausea
  • Abnormal sensations such as tingling, burning, or pricking (paresthesia)
  • Chest pain, including chest tightness, chest pressure, or chest heaviness
  • Dry mouth
  • Neck pain, jaw pain, or throat pain.
     
(Click Maxalt Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Maxalt, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about other possible side effects by going to Maxalt and Heart Problems.)
 

Drug Interactions With Maxalt

Maxalt can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Maxalt Drug Interactions for more information about Maxalt and other medicines.)
 

Maxalt: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Maxalt if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
You should also tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Maxalt Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Maxalt.)
 

Overdose With Maxalt

People who take too much Maxalt may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Low heart rate (bradycardia)
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Incontinence (inability to control the bladder or bowels)
  • Heart rhythm changes (arrhythmia)
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Other heart problems.
     
If you happen to overdose on Maxalt, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Maxalt Overdose for more information.)
 

Maxalt Storage Methods

Maxalt should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Keep Maxalt tablets in an airtight container. Keep Maxalt MLT tablets in their original blister package until you need to use them.
 
Keep Maxalt and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Maxalt: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Maxalt is not intended to be taken on a regular basis. Maxalt should be taken only during a migraine headache.
 

Maxalt Strengths

Maxalt tablets are available in two strengths:
 
  • Maxalt 5 mg tablets
  • Maxalt 10 mg tablets.
     
Maxalt MLT orally disintegrating tablets are available in two strengths:
 
  • Maxalt MLT 5 mg tablets
  • Maxalt MLT 10 mg tablets.
     

Maxalt Generic

There is currently no generic Maxalt licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Maxalt for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;